The key results of the Forum “Just Transition of Coal Communities of Ukraine”

The process of just transition of Ukraine's coal communities is inevitable. The main question that remains is how to make it fair. This was one of the main topics discussed at the Forum “Just Transition of Coal Communities of Ukraine” held on October 18 in Sheptytskyi Coal Region.

We share the key results of the Forum:  

📍First panel discussion “Green transformation: The Cost of a Just Transition":

▪Main challenges: financial support, creation of new jobs and sources of income.

▪The war adds to the difficulties, especially for the frontline regions, where there is no local budget revenue.

▪Ukraine is striving to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 with the support of the EU.

▪The EU and Ukraine have launched the Ukraine Facility program (2024-2027), 20% of which will be spent on local and green initiatives.

📍 Second panel discussion “Coal-(IN) Dependent: New Opportunities for Sustainable Development”:

▪ Former mines should become the foundation for the development of new economic initiatives.

▪ It is important to ensure a gradual and civilized closure of mines, taking into account social aspects.

▪ More than 90 industrial parks have already been registered in Ukraine. In 2024, a support program was launched under which the state guarantees UAH 150 million in co-financing for the development of industrial parks and their infrastructure. To date, 17 applications have been submitted for funding 44 projects that will be funded this year.

▪ German business, together with GIZ, purchased and donated technical equipment to help respond to energy challenges and provide electricity to half a million Ukrainians.

📍 Third panel discussion “Stronger Together: Effective Cooperation in the Process of Just Transition":

▪ Main challenges: demographic, energy and economic problems. Education is a key factor for successful transformation.

▪Two mines in Dnipropetrovsk region are planned to be closed in 2027 by DTEK's initiative.

▪ Over the year, more than 50 projects were developed in coal communities and UAH 10 million in business grants were attracted.

▪Lviv region is an example for other regions in terms of coal transformation.

▪Ukrainian coal communities are ready to adopt the experience of their European colleagues in the development of green technologies and the implementation of innovative projects based on liquidated mines.

Transforming communities together with the Association! Bringing change closer today!